We often tend to point to other places, people, or things as reasons why we aren’t able to accomplish certain things. And as we get older, the ability to think big and utilize the imagination that we all innately possess diseases us as well. More often than not, when we scrutinize our shortcomings or weaknesses, we are operating under a certain self limiting belief. Our minds are powerful and if you’ve read any books by Rhonda Byrne, you’ll understand that the law of attraction can shift our thinking to attract miracles or obstacles.
We’ve formulated our beliefs as a result of our environment. Everything that has happened to us has played a part in our judgement of how we view other people and the world. For instance, if you went through an abusive relationship, you will be more hesitant in jumping into another relationship. How we approach our day to day activities is also indicative of this as well. Commonly, when we experience rejection or failure, its very to easy to be in a fixed mindset about certain things. If you aren’t able to run as fast as your friend or your drawing skills may be subpar, the thing that most people do is say that they don’t possess the skills to do to a certain task. We use self limiting beliefs as a scapegoat to justify why we aren’t deserving of certain things. But the good news is that we don’t have to let it be the reason why we hold back from our true selves. With the right mindset, you can tackle your self limiting beliefs and work towards living the life you’ve always dreamt of. Here are the four steps in crushing your self limiting beliefs.
Step 1: Say It Out Loud
The only way to work through your self limiting beliefs is if you acknowledge them. Think about a few circumstances in your life that have made you feel inadequate. Behind that inadequacy lies a limiting belief. Maybe you felt like a burden or “small” in comparison to the people you surround yourself with. Don’t be afraid to explore those feelings. And when you find that self limiting belief, try to find where it originated from. You may have felt like a burden because you experienced a time where your parents were constantly arguing and you thought it was because of you. You may have felt worthless because the people around you seem to be getting ahead or have what you want. Whether it is in the past or present, this self limiting belief will likely have echoed in various stages of your life.
Step 2: Write A New Narrative
After you’ve gained a full understanding on why you feel the way you do, it is time to create a new dialogue that is the opposite of the originial belief. For instance, you may have been telling yourself that you’re not smart enough to pursue graphic design because you lack background experience. Or you may feel unqualified to apply for that new position or pursue that opportunity. Instead of having self pity for yourself, create a plan that can get you to where you want to be. And use this plan to form your new belief. In the situation previously described, the key is having a “growth mindset”. Instead of saying “I’m not good enough to be a graphic designer” switch it to “I am determined to gain the skills needed to become a great graphic designer”. Remember that every expert was once an amateur. It is okay to fail as long as you don’t give up. When you have constructed your new narrative, put it in a place where you’ll always see it and say it to yourself everyday with conviction.
Step 3: Release What Doesn’t Serve You
In order to move forward, you can’t keep clinging on to baggage. Whatever it may be, you have to let it go. If it means ending relationships that have drained you, places where you can sense the negative energy or things that remind you of your trauma, it needs to be released. When you attach yourself to these people, places, or things, these aspects that you want to break free from will prevail. This isn’t an easy task but for the sake of your growth it is necessary.
Step 4: Listen To Yourself
The journey of breaking your self limiting beliefs isn’t an easy feat. There will be times where you struggle and revert back into your original mindset. This is a continous practice and as conflicts arise, you will need utilize the process again and again. The biggest take away from recognizing your limiting beliefs is awareness. Listen to the way you talk to yourself when you made a mistake, fail at a task, or experience rejection. And listen to the way you talk to yourself when you expererience a breakthrough, a positive outcome, or an accomplishment. Then, listen to the way you react about everything in between. Know when you’re being overly critical of yourself and rememeber that things take time. Your intution will never fail you.
What are some of the ways you’ve released your limiting beliefs? If you are still working on this, what are some of the strategies you’ve employed to create a new narrative? We would love to hear your perspective.
Lots of love,
Jasmine and Phrieda
J AND P LIVING 